Chain.



C. A. PRiNDLE.

CHAIN.

APPLICATION FILED JUNE 2\,1913.-

Patented. Apr. 113, 1915.-

2 SHEETS-SHEET 1.

C. A. PRINDLE.

CHAIN.

APPLICATION man JUNE 21.1913.

Patented Apr. 13, 1915.

2 SHEETS-SHEET 2.

Jun ant? CHAIN.

Specification of Letters Patent.

Patented Apr. is, ieis.

Application filed June 21, 1913. serial No. 774,983.

Chicago, in the county of Cook and State of Illinois, have invented certain new and useful Improvements in Chains, of which the following is a description.

My invention belongs to that general class of devices known as chains, and relates particularly to chains for transmitting power or motion, for use wherever found applicable. The invention has among its objects the production of an improved chain that is simple, convenient, durable, efficient, strong, and satisfactory.

To this end my invention consists in the novel construction, arrangement and combination of parts herein shown and described. and more particularly pointed out in the claims.

In the drawings, wherein like reference characters indicate like or corresponding parts, Figure 1 is a plan view and partial sectional view taken on line 1, 1 of Fig. 2, of several assembled links. Fig. 2 is a side elevation and partial sectional view of the same. Fig. 3 is a sectional view taken substantially on line 3, 3 of Fig. 1. Fig. 4 is a perspective view of one of the links. Fig. 5

is a sectional view of a modified construction. Fig. 6 is a partial sectional view and side elevation of the preferred form of wheel for use with the chain, and Fig. 7 is substantially a sectional view of the same taken on line I, 7 of Fig. 6.

Referring to the drawings, the chain comprises a plurality of links, each of which consists of a shank 1, provided with enlarged cupshapedends 2 and 3, arranged with the recesses 4 on opposite sides of the shank. The cup-shaped ends '2 and 8 are similar, so that when the links are assembled thecnd of one link will mate with and cooperate with either end of the next adjacent link. As shown, the cup-shaped ends are substantially semi-spherical in shape, the recesses in the preferred construction being semi-spherical. The shank is cut down or reduced as at 5 to the center line, so that the links may be. secured together and all be in alinement with their faces or edges 6 substantially in alinement with the center of the shanks. The links are also beveled a portion of the way around, as at 7, so that when two links are secured together it is not necessary to cut the shank more than I have shown, affording a stronger construction. The adjacent links are secured together at the adjacent ends by pins or rivets 11, which extend through the same and are formed at the ends so that they will not become disengaged. Within the spherical recess formed by each two adjacent ends is arranged a ball 10, through which the pin or rivet 11 is passed. When strain is put upon the chain the pins 11 are put more under a tension stress rather than shearing, the shearing stress being on the balls 10.

In the modified construction shown in Fig. 5,1 represents the link shanks and 12,12 the cup-shaped ends. In this form the recess is not made spherical, but rather elongated, and an elongated ball or part 13 positioned in the recess. The links are held together by rivets 14. With this construction there is not as much strain on the rivets 14, the shearing strain being carried by the part 13 as by the ball in the other construction. The two forms shown amply illustrate modifications in the form of the links and cooperating parts, it being understood that the proportions and shapes of the parts may be varied to best suit the purpose for which the chain is to be used. It will be noted that the links are provided with shanks substantially rectangular in cross section. The purpose of this is when a chain is used with the wheel, as hereafter described, the chain is prevented from turning or twisting in the wheel, so that the pivotal connection operates without strain, as intended.

When several links are assembled, "as shown in the drawings, considerable strain may be placed upon the chain without shearing the parts or causing the link ends to separate. The chain is particularly convenient for any use, as there are no sharp corners to catch or cause injury. Owing to its great strength, it is applicable for hoisting apparatus. conveyors and harvesting machinery, and for various other power transmission purposes. It will be noted that the chain shown comprises substantially a ball bearing chain, and that if desired, the parts may be arranged with a plurality of balls between them instead of just one. I have, however, considered it unnecessary to illustrate this construction, as the same will be obvious in view of what is shown.

In Figs. (3 and 7, I show a wheel for use in connection with a chain for either transmitting power to the chain, or from the chain The wheel shown comprises the body part 15, provided with pockets or recesses 16 thereabout, spaced to correspond with the chain. Between the enlarged ends of the links, or that is between the pockets 16, the wheel is formed as at 18, the same, however, being slotted or cut through at 17 so that the shanks of the links may extend therethrough. The enlarged ends of the links engage in the Walls of the recesses or pockets, while the shanks extending through the groove 17 between the pockets, are engaged at the sides and bottom and prevented from turning. This is important, as it maintains the links in proper position on the wheel so that the chain will operate properly and efficiently. A guard 19 may be arranged about the wheel, as shown, if so desired.

While I have shown two forms of my device, it is, of course, obvious that various other immaterial modifications may be made in the same without departing from the spirit of my invention; hence I do not wish tov be understood as limiting myself to the exact form. construction, arrangement or combination of parts herein shown and described, or uses mentioned.

What I claim as new and desire to secure by Letters Patent is 1; In a chain, the combination of a plurality of links, each of said links consisting of a. shank provided with a semi-spherical recess therein at each end, said links arranged with a recess in one link opposite a recess of an adjacent link, a cooperating ball arranged in said adjacent recesses, and means for securing said links together.

2. In a chain, a plurality of links. each consisting of a single shank provided at each end at opposite sides thereof, with a suitably formed recess, said links arranged end to end with the recess of one link opposite the recess of an adjacent link, a cooperating part arranged in said adjacent recesses, and means for pivotally securing said links together.

3. The combination in a chain, of a plurality of links, each link consisting of a. single shank provided with substantially semispherical ends on opposite sides thereof, a recess in each semi-spherical end, said links arranged end to end with the semi-spherical end on one link mating with the semi-spherical. end on the adjacent link, and a ball arranged in and corresponding in contour to said adjacent recesses, and means extending through the ends and ball for securing the links together.

4. A chain link, comprising a single shank provided with an enlargement on one side at one end thereof, and with a similarly formed enlargement at the opposite end on the opposite side thereof, each enlargement provided with a recess therein, said link cut away at each end to the center line of the link, and beveled about the enlarged end at said cut away portion.

In a chain, the combination of a plurality of links, each of said links consisting of a shank of substantially rectangular cross sectional shape and provided with a recess therein at each end, said links arranged with the recess in one link opposite a recess of an adjacent link, a cooperating part arranged in said adjacent recesses, and means for securing, the links together.

(5. In a device of the kind described and in combination, a plurality of links, each of said links consisting of a shank of substantially rectangular cross section provided with a recess therein at each end thereof, said links arranged with a recess in one link opposite a recess of an adjacent link, a cooperating part arranged in said adjacent recesses, means for securing said links together, and a wheel provided with a plurality of pockets about the circumference thereof and circumferentially grooved between the pockets, said groove corresponding in contour with said shanks.

In testimony whereof, I have hereunto signed my name in the presence of two subscribing witnesses.

CHARLES A. PRINDLE.

Witnesses:

ROY l/V. IIILL, CHARLES I. Conn. 

